My first flight and first trip in a foreign country

It happened in 2012 when I was 20

 In November 2012, I embarked on a life-changing journey as I took my first flight to Benin. The significance of this experience was magnified by the fact that it marked the beginning of a new chapter, fueled by the opportunity bestowed upon me through a scholarship from the European Union. This scholarship was granted to pursue a Master's degree in Journalism and Communication for development, a field I was passionate about.

First selfie in the plane 😂

Accompanied by two other Malagasy girls, the anticipation and excitement were palpable as we boarded our Kenya Airways flight. The aircraft, a vessel of dreams and possibilities, soared through the clouds, carrying us towards an unfamiliar destination. As the engines roared to life, my heart echoed the rhythm of excitement, blending with the collective heartbeat of anticipation shared by my fellow travelers.

The 03rd of November 2012 became a date etched in my memory, not just as a day of departure, but as the day I transcended borders and ventured into the unknown. The skyline of my homeland gradually transformed into a patchwork of clouds, and I marveled at the beauty of the world unfolding beneath me. The window seat provided a front-row view to the spectacle of diverse landscapes, and for the first time, I beheld the world from above

The breath-taking view from my window

Arrival 

Touching down in Benin marked not only my physical arrival in a new country but also a metaphorical landing into a realm of cultural diversity and academic pursuit. The scholarship, a beacon of opportunity, had opened the door to a Master's program that promised intellectual growth and a deeper understanding of journalism's role in fostering communication for development.Traversing the streets of Benin, I was immersed in a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and perspectives. 

First day in Porto-Novo, Benin

Every encounter became a lesson, every street corner a story waiting to be told. The experience was not only about academic advancement but also a celebration of the cultural mosaic that defines our global community.Traveling with my fellow Malagasy companions added a layer of camaraderie to the adventure. Together, we navigated the challenges of a foreign land, sharing laughter, cultural shocks, and a sense of unity that transcended geographical boundaries.

The journey 

 The bonds forged during this journey became a testament to the transformative power of shared experiences.Kenya Airways, with its warm hospitality and efficient service, played a crucial role in making this inaugural flight memorable. From the friendly cabin crew to the comfortable seats, the airline became a conduit for not just physical travel but also a conduit for building connections and fostering a sense of global citizenship.The overwhelming joy and gratitude I felt during those early days in Benin are difficult to put into words. 

First day at university with the other international students , from Cameroun, Capo Verde and Madagascar of course ☺️

Each moment was a brushstroke, painting a canvas of personal and academic growth. The classrooms became arenas of intellectual exploration, and every interaction added depth to my understanding of journalism's pivotal role in shaping societies.Great In November 2012, I embarked on a life-changing journey as I took my first flight to Benin. The significance of this experience was magnified by the fact that it marked the beginning of a new chapter, fueled by the opportunity bestowed upon me through a scholarship from the European Union. This scholarship was granted to pursue a Master's degree in Journalism and Communication for development, a field I was passionate about.

The first thing that stroke me : the number of bats in the sky 🥰

Accompanied by two other Malagasy girls, the anticipation and excitement were palpable as we boarded our Kenya Airways flight. The aircraft, a vessel of dreams and possibilities, soared through the clouds, carrying us towards an unfamiliar destination. As the engines roared to life, my heart echoed the rhythm of excitement, blending with the collective heartbeat of anticipation shared by my fellow travelers.The 03rd of November 2012 became a date etched in my memory, not just as a day of departure, but as the day I transcended borders and ventured into the unknown. The skyline of my homeland gradually transformed into a patchwork of clouds, and I marveled at the beauty of the world unfolding beneath me. The window seat provided a front-row view to the spectacle of diverse landscapes, and for the first time, I beheld the world from above.Touching down in Benin marked not only my physical arrival in a new country but also a metaphorical landing into a realm of cultural diversity and academic pursuit. The scholarship, a beacon of opportunity, had opened the door to a Master's program that promised intellectual growth and a deeper understanding of journalism's role in fostering communication for development.Traversing the streets of Benin, I was immersed in a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and perspectives. 

The two Malagasy ladies Onja and Narinda who have become more than friends ❤️

Every encounter became a lesson, every street corner a story waiting to be told. The experience was not only about academic advancement but also a celebration of the cultural mosaic that defines our global community.Traveling with my fellow Malagasy companions added a layer of camaraderie to the adventure. Together, we navigated the challenges of a foreign land, sharing laughter, cultural shocks, and a sense of unity that transcended geographical boundaries. The bonds forged during this journey became a testament to the transformative power of shared experiences.Kenya Airways, with its warm hospitality and efficient service, played a crucial role in making this inaugural flight memorable. From the friendly cabin crew to the comfortable seats, the airline became a conduit for not just physical travel but also a conduit for building connections and fostering a sense of global citizenship.The overwhelming joy and gratitude I felt during those early days in Benin are difficult to put into words. Each moment was a brushstroke, painting a canvas of personal and academic growth. The classrooms became arenas of intellectual exploration, and every interaction added depth to my understanding of journalism's pivotal role in shaping societies.Great memories were etched into the fabric of those days. From navigating the bustling markets to immersing myself in the local cuisine, every experience was a chapter in the narrative of my first flight and subsequent academic pursuit. The challenges and triumphs, the friendships and cultural exchanges, all contributed to a mosaic of memories that would forever be a part of my personal and academic journey.In conclusion, my first flight to Benin in November 2012 was not just a physical journey; it was a voyage of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and academic pursuit. 

Jam with my sisters and new friends from Ghana

The European Union scholarship, the companionship of fellow Malagasy travelers, the wings of Kenya Airways, and the kaleidoscope of experiences in Benin collectively painted a portrait of transformation. This chapter in my life became a testament to the power of education, exploration, and the enduring memories that accompany the pursuit of one's dreams. were etched into the fabric of those days. From navigating the bustling markets to immersing myself in the local cuisine, every experience was a chapter in the narrative of my first flight and subsequent academic pursuit. The challenges and triumphs, the friendships and cultural exchanges, all contributed to a mosaic of memories that would forever be a part of my personal and academic journey.

In conclusion, my first flight to Benin in November 2012 was not just a physical journey; it was a trip of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and academic pursuit. The European Union scholarship, the companionship of fellow Malagasy travelers, the wings of Kenya Airways, and the kaleidoscope of experiences in Benin collectively painted a portrait of transformation. This chapter in my life became a testament to the power of education, exploration, and the enduring memories that accompany the pursuit of one's dreams.